A study investigating the value of computer use integrated into first-year instruction in legal methods, legal writing, and torts found that the actual amount of computer use was positively and significantly associated with grade point averages and was more beneficial to students beginning from lower scholastic positions. (MSE)

Examines the role of law schools in creating emotionally dysfunctional students, and suggests ways in which they might act to produce healthier law students and practitioners, and perhaps a more functional legal system. Discusses lack of social and emotional support, lack of physical activity, and women's issues; offers problems and solutions for…

A law professor advises students on how to write effective publishable articles, beginning with choice of a claim and continuing with organizing the article; writing and rewriting, coherence, cohesion, and perspective; converting practical work (such as law firm memos) into student articles; publishing; and publicizing the article. (MSE)

The quality of a school is measured by the quality of the lawyering provided to the public by its graduates and the contributions to scholarship by its faculty. Essential steps are the formulation of objectives, a plan to implement them, and the reallocation of resources for the plan to function. (MLW)

The 1976 entering class of the University of Houston (UH) Law School was surveyed to identify reasons for entering law school and career objectives. Three distinct groups are shown (UH sole school considered, UH only alternative, UH one of several alternatives), each having its own distinctive cluster of social conditions and perspectives. (MSE)

Because some law students experience an emotional crisis related to law school, law school staff need a model to help them assist the individual student. A Beck Depression Inventory (a self-administered indicator for professional help) and a Daily Activity Schedule (a technique for problem solving) are provided. (MLW)

Discussion of learning disabled (LD) law students looks at what constitutes a learning disability and explains circumstances leading to increasing numbers of LD students in law schools. Manifestations of learning disabilities in writing are examined, problems with this in the law school setting are noted, and early identification and interventions…

Disjunction between what law teachers mean and how students interpret what is being taught explains why a significant number of law students are not learning or performing at their capability levels. The comments of diverse students at nine law schools can help teachers understand what creates barriers to learning and what helps students learn.…

The population of University of Maryland law students seeking mental health counseling in a four-year period is described. It is concluded that students were receptive to counseling services that were both accessible and nonthreatening, and that the services provided a forum for expression not available in the academic program. (MSE)

A portion of a larger survey study of the socialization of law students is reported. Focus is on student perceptions and idealized views of law, lawyers, and legal education in general and changes in these attitudes influenced by exposure to law school over a seven-month period during the first year. (JMD)

The paper details likely incomes and living costs of law graduates as related to educational costs and debts. Concern is expressed about the deterrent effect of potential high debt on minorities and an approach to financial aid which would take minority status into account is urged. (Author/DB)

Surveys of graduating students (n=336 and 917, respectively) at four lower-cost and five higher-cost law schools examined effects of various levels of student debt burden on career plans. High debt amounts were slightly related to taking a job in large private law firms. Debt burdens of one in five or six students was judged to be too high. (DB)

The clinical method of legal instruction, its goals, resources, and the process of individualized clinical teaching are defined. The development of such a program at Cleveland State University and a study of the activities involved are described. Issues of program design and teaching, including the student teacher relationship, are addressed. (JMD)

This response to Lino Graglia (HE 530 289) reviews the history of opposition to affirmative action for minority groups; notes early efforts of law schools to avoid desegregation requirements; reports persistent low enrollments of African-American students in law schools; and recommends that law schools undergird admissions policy with…

The practice of placing senior law students into teaching roles at law schools in order to reduce the student-teacher ratio is discussed. The extent to which students have contributed towards teaching, supervision, and instruction at law schools is analyzed. European tutorial experience is compared with North American experience. (MLW)